Flexible 5g services control through an enhanced network feature support

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, creating a message associated with a 5th Generation (5G) wireless service, the message containing: a first indication whether the 5G wireless service is restricted or permitted in a first frequency range of a 5G frequency spectrum; and a second indication whether the 5G wireless service is restricted or permitted in a second frequency range of the 5G frequency spectrum, the second frequency range being a frequency range that is different from the first frequency range; and facilitating transmission of the message that is created to first user equipment, to a radio access network, or to a combination thereof. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S

This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No.16/888,170, filed on May 29, 2020. All sections of the aforementionedapplication(s) and/or patent(s) are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to flexible 5th Generation (“5G”)services control through an enhanced network feature support.

BACKGROUND

5G wireless services can be supported on New Radio FR1 (FrequencyRange 1) spectrum or on New Radio FR2 (Frequency Range 2) spectrum or onboth FR1 and FR2. 5G FR1 service usually provides better 5G coverage butrelatively lower 5G throughput, while 5G FR2 service could provide muchhigher throughput with relatively much smaller 5G cell coverage.According to 3GPP TS24.301, during the Attach procedure or the TrackingArea Update procedure, Core Networks can use an Information Element (IEcalled “EPS Network Feature Support”) to communicate with UE (UserEquipment) and RAN (Radio Access Network). Via use of this conventionalEPS Network Feature Support Information Element, the Core Network canindicate to the mobile User Equipment and to the RAN whether use of dualconnectivity with 5G New Radio is restricted or not (see, e.g., the“Restrict DCNR” flags in Tables 1 and 2 below).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a communication network in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2D depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for enabling control by a wireless operator (or provider) asto what types and/or capabilities of 5G services the customers of thewireless operator (or provider) can use on the network(s) of thewireless operator (or provider). In various examples, the wirelessnetworks can comprise LTE/5G networks. Other embodiments are describedin the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include creating a messageindicating which frequency (or frequencies) can be utilized by userequipment (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, or other mobile communicationdevice) during communication with a wireless network. In variousexamples, the message can be sent to the user equipment, to a RAN (RadioAccess Network), or to any combination thereof. In another example, themessage can indicate which frequency range (or frequency ranges) can beutilized by user equipment (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, or othermobile communication device) during communication with a wirelessnetwork.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include mechanisms thatcan enable the wireless operator (or provider) to individually configureeach customer (e.g., each customer’s individual wireless device(s)) withthe following services without changing the 5G FR1 & FR2 capable mobiledevices of the customers: (a) No 5G service; or (b) 5G service only onNR FR1 (New Radio Frequency Range 1); or (c) 5G service only on NR FR2(New Radio Frequency Range 2); or (d) 5G service on both NR FR1 and FR2.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure modify a conventional EPSNetwork Feature Support Information Element so that the modified EPSNetwork Feature Support Information Element indicates separately foreach of 5G FR1 spectrum and 5G FR2 spectrum whether the 5G service isallowed or restricted

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 100 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. For example, system 100 can facilitatein whole or in part message creation and control of wireless frequencyusage. In particular, a communications network 125 is presented forproviding broadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 viaaccess terminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobiledevices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voiceaccess 130 to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device132 and/or media access 140 to a plurality of audio/video displaydevices 144 via media terminal 142. In addition, communication network125 is coupled to one or more content sources 175 of audio, video,graphics, text and/or other media. While broadband access 110, wirelessaccess 120, voice access 130 and media access 140 are shown separately,one or more of these forms of access can be combined to provide multipleaccess services to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 canreceive media content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can beprovided voice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

With regard now to one embodiment, a conventional EPS Network FeatureSupport IE can be modified in order to indicate whether use of NR FR1Band is restricted for a specific 5G user (and/or restricted for aspecific user device) and/or whether use of NR FR2 band is restrictedfor the specific 5G user (and/or restricted for the specific userdevice). In one specific example, the EPS Network Feature Support IE(see reference 9.9.3.12A in 3GPP TS24.301) is defined with a minimumlength of 3 Octets and its maximum length is increased from 4 Octets tobigger than 4 Octets - so that more network feature support informationcan be communicated whenever needed to the user equipment and/or to theRAN. Further, in this example, in the additional Octet (e.g. Octet 5)the following network features can be added: Bit 1 in Octet 5 = 0 meansthat use of NR FR1 Band is not restricted and Bit 1 in Octet 5 = 1 meansthat use of NR FR1 Band is restricted; Bit 2 in Octet 5 = 0 means thatuse of NR FR2 Band is not restricted and Bit 1 in Octet 5 =1 means thatuse of NR FR2 Band is restricted. In other examples, the meaning of bitsbeing high or low can have different meaning (e.g., 1 means notrestricted and 0 means restricted). In another example, Bits 3 to 8 inOctet 5 can be reserved for future new feature(s).

Referring now to Table 1 below, a graphic representation of an EPSNetwork Feature Support IE according to an embodiment is shown (thisTable 1 shows a conventional EPS Network Feature Support IE as modifiedaccording to an embodiment). More particularly, as seen in this example,the first Bit of a new Octet 5 (the first Bit being shown in Table 1 as“Restrict FR1”) can act as a flag indicating whether usage of frequencyrange FR1 is allowed or not. Further, the second Bit of the new Octet 5(the second Bit being shown in Table 1 as “Restrict FR2”) can act as aflag indicating whether usage of frequency range FR2 is allowed or not.In other examples, the flags can be other than the first and second Bitsof Octet 5. In various other examples, the “Restrict FR1” flag canindicate restricting (or not restricting) 5G service on 5G FR1 Sub-6Ghzband(s); the “Restrict FR2” flag can indicate restricting (or notrestricting) 5G service on 5G FR2 mm Wave band(s); and/or the “RestrictDCNR” flag can indicate restricting (or not restricting) 5G service withLTE/NR Dual Connectivity.

TABLE 1 EPS Network Feature Support IEI Octet 1 Length of EPS NetworkFeature Support Contents Octet 2 CP CloT ER w/o PDN ESR PS CS-LCSEPC-LCS EMC BS IMS VoPS Octet 3 15 Bearers IWKN2 6 Restrict DCNRRestrict EC ePCO HC-CP CloT S1-U data UP CIoT Octet 4* Restrict FR1Restrict FR2 Octet 5*

With regard now to another embodiment, a conventional EPS NetworkFeature Support IE can be modified in order to indicate whether use ofNR FR1 Band is restricted for a specific 5G user (and/or restricted fora specific user device) and/or whether use of NR FR2 band is restrictedfor the specific 5G user (and/or restricted for the specific userdevice). In one specific example, Octet 2 of a conventional EPS NetworkFeature Support IE (see reference 9.9.3.12A in 3GPP TS24.301) can beredefined. In this regard, the entire Octet 2 is conventionallydedicated to define the length of the EPS Network Feature SupportContent, which is not necessary. In this example, the length of the EPSNetwork Feature Support Contents is reduced from 8 bits to 4 bits (andthese reduced 4 bits provide the functionality of the original 8 bits).This now makes 4 bits available for additional EPS network featuresupport indication. That is, this embodiment can use half of the bits inthe Octet 2 (e.g. use Bits 1-4 in the Octet 2) to define the length ofEPS Network Feature Support Content, while use of the Bits 5-8 in theOctet 2 can indicate the support of additional network features asfollows: Bit 5 in Octet 2 = 0 means use of NR FR1 Band(s) is notrestricted; Bit 5 in Octet 2 = 1 means that use of NR FR1 Band(s) isrestricted; Bit 6 in Octet 2 = 0 means that use of NR FR2 Band(s) is notrestricted; Bit 6 in Octet 2 = 1 means that use of NR FR2 Band(s) isrestricted; Bit 7 in Octet 2 can be reserved for future new feature; Bit8 in Octet 2 can be reserved for future new feature.

Referring now to Table 2 below, a graphic representation of an EPSNetwork Feature Support IE according to an embodiment is shown (thisTable 2 shows a conventional EPS Network Feature Support IE as modifiedaccording to an embodiment). More particularly, as seen in this example,the fifth Bit of Octet 2 (the fifth Bit being shown in Table 2 as“Restrict FR1”) can act as a flag indicating whether usage of frequencyFR1 is allowed or not. Further, the sixth Bit of Octet 2 (the sixth Bitbeing shown in Table 2 as “Restrict FR2”) can act as a flag indicatingwhether usage of frequency FR2 is allowed or not. In other examples, theflags can be other than the fifth and sixth Bits of Octet 2. In variousother examples, the “Restrict FR1” flag can indicate restricting (or notrestricting) 5G service on 5G FR1 Sub-6Ghz band(s); the “Restrict FR2”flag can indicate restricting (or not restricting) 5G service on 5G FR2mm Wave band(s); and/or the “Restrict DCNR” flag can indicaterestricting (or not restricting) 5G service with LTE/NR DualConnectivity.

TABLE 2 EPS Network Feature Support IEI Octet 1 Length of EPS NetworkFeature Support Contents Restrict FR1 Restrict FR2 For Future featureFor Future feature Octet 2 CP CloT ER w/o PDN ESR PS CS-LCS EPC-LCS EMCBS IMS VoPS Octet 3 15 Bearers IWKN 26 Restrict DCNR RestrictEC ePCOHC-CP CloT S1-U data UP CloT Octet 4*

As described herein, various embodiments can modify a conventional EPSNetwork Feature Support IE to enable a network to flexibly configure(e.g., per subscriber and/or per mobile device) whether the 5G serviceis allowed only on FR1 spectrum or only on FR2 spectrum, or allowed onboth FR1 and FR2 spectrums.

In various examples, the messages (e.g., the EPS Network Feature SupportIE’s) can be generated based upon information regarding: availablenetwork resources (e.g., available bandwidth); and/or number of devicesusing the network; and/or type of devices using the network. In oneexample, the decision when to allow or restrict a particular frequency(or frequency range) for a particular subscriber can be based upon thatsubscriber’s subscription agreement. In another example, the decisionwhen to allow or restrict a particular frequency (or frequency range)for a particular mobile device can be based upon the location of thatdevice (e.g., the location relative to other device(s) and/or relativeto wireless network element(s)).

In various examples, any desired number of bit(s) of a conventionalmessage (such as a 5G EPS Network Feature Support Information Elementthat otherwise conforms to a 3GPP TS24.301 standard) can be re-purposedto provide functionality as described herein. Further, any of there-purposed bit(s) can appear at any desired location in the message(for instance, with respect to Table 2, above, the “Restrict FR1” flagand/or the “Restrict FR2” flag can appear in the last one or two Bits ofOctet 2 instead of in the fourth and/or fifth Bits of Octet 2).

In various examples, any desired number of bit(s) can be added to aconventional message (such as a 5G EPS Network Feature SupportInformation Element that otherwise conforms to a 3GPP TS24.301 standard)in order to provide functionality as described herein. Further, any ofthe added bit(s) can appear at any desired location in the message.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 200 (which can be capableof functioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 ) inaccordance with various aspects described herein. As seen in this FIG.2A, each of a plurality of End User Devices 202A, 202B, 202C is inrespective bi-directional wireless communication with a wireless network(via Radio Access Network (RAN) 204). In various examples, each of EndUser Devices 202A, 202B, 202C can be a smartphone, a tablet, anothertype of communication device, or any combination thereof. Further,Server 206 (which can be, for example, part of the wireless network) cancommunicate bi-directionally with RAN 204 (and/or with each of End UserDevices 202A, 202B, 202C) to carry out various functions describedherein. In one example, Server 206 can send (such as via RAN 204) toeach of End User Devices 202A, 202B, 202C a respective message that isindicative of which frequency (or frequencies) to utilize forcommunication with RAN 204. In another example, Server 206 can send toRAN 204 a respective message associated with each of End User Devices202A, 202B, 202C (each respective message being indicative of whichfrequency (or frequencies) to utilize by the RAN 204 for communicationwith each of End User Devices 202A, 202B, 202C). Of course, while threeEnd User Devices are shown in this FIG. 2A, any desired number of EndUser Devices can be supported. In another example, Server 206 can be aplurality of servers.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, various steps of a method 2100 according to anembodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2B, step 2102 comprisescreating a message associated with a 5th Generation (5G) wirelessservice, the message containing: a first indication whether the 5Gwireless service is restricted or permitted in a first frequency rangeof a 5G frequency spectrum; and a second indication whether the 5Gwireless service is restricted or permitted in a second frequency rangeof the 5G frequency spectrum, the second frequency range being afrequency range that is different from the first frequency range. Next,step 2104 comprises facilitating transmission of the message that iscreated to first user equipment, to a radio access network, or to acombination thereof.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2B, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, various steps of a method 2200 according to anembodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2C, step 2202 comprisescreating a 5th Generation (5G) EPS Network Feature Support InformationElement containing: a first bit that indicates whether 5G service isrestricted or permitted in a first frequency range of a 5G frequencyspectrum; and a second bit that indicates whether the 5G service isrestricted or permitted in a second frequency range of the 5G frequencyspectrum, the second frequency range being different from the firstfrequency range. Next, step 2204 comprises transmitting the EPS NetworkFeature Support Information Element that is created to first userequipment, to a radio access network, or to a combination thereof.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2C, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 2D, various steps of a method 2300 according to anembodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2D, step 2302 comprisesreceiving, by a processing system of an end user device including aprocessor, a message associated with a 5th Generation (5G) wirelessservice, the message containing: a first indication whether use of afirst frequency range of a 5G frequency spectrum is restricted orpermitted; and a second indication whether use of a second frequencyrange of the 5G frequency spectrum is restricted or permitted, thesecond frequency range being a frequency range that is different fromthe first frequency range. Next, step 2304 comprises determining by theprocessing system, based upon the first indication and the secondindication, whether use of only the first frequency range is permitted,whether use of only the second frequency range is permitted, or whetheruse of both the first frequency range and the second frequency range arepermitted. Next, step 2306 comprises communicating, by the processingsystem, with a radio access network, the communicating utilizing onlythe first frequency range in a first case that it had been determinedthat use of only the first frequency range is permitted, thecommunicating utilizing only the second frequency range in a second casethat it had been determined that use of only the second frequency rangeis permitted, and the communicating utilizing both the first frequencyrange and the second frequency range in a third case that it had beendetermined that use of both the first frequency range and the secondfrequency range are permitted.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2D, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

As described herein, various embodiments facilitate differentiation of5G services (such as provided by a wireless operator or wirelesscarrier) for a plurality of 5G mobile users.

As described herein, when a mobile user is using a 5G FR1 and FR2capable device, mechanisms are provided to enable a wireless operator(or provider) to configure a specific 5G service (for a specific mobileuser device) based upon the mobile user’s subscription (and/or basedupon one or more other factors).

As described herein, various embodiments provide for enhancing usage ofa conventional EPS Network Feature Support Information Element. Suchembodiments can facilitate functionality whereby a network is not onlyable to enable or disable 5G service for a particular mobile user(and/or a particular user device), but also able to restrict for theuser/device the 5G service only on NR FR1, or only on NR FR2, or allowon both NR FR1 and FR2 (the restriction or allowance can be based, forexample, upon the mobile user’s subscription (and/or based upon otherfactors). In one example, a wireless operator (e.g., a wireless carrier)can apply different service rate plans for: (a) 5G FR1 service, or (b)for 5G FR2 service, or (c) for 5G FR1 and FR2 service.

As described herein, one or more bits, one or more bytes, and/or one ormore octets can be added to a conventional message (such as a 5G EPSNetwork Feature Support Information Element that otherwise conforms to a3GPP TS24.301 standard) in order to facilitate various functionality(such as control of frequency usage).

As described herein, one or more bits, one or more bytes, and/or one ormore octets can be utilized in a conventional message (such as a 5G EPSNetwork Feature Support Information Element that otherwise conforms to a3GPP TS24.301 standard) in order to facilitate various functionality(such as control of frequency usage).

As described herein, various embodiments provide a mechanism (e.g., amessage) to indicate separately for each of 5G FR1 spectrum and 5G FR2spectrum whether the 5G service is allowed or restricted.

Other embodiments can apply to one or more other generations of wirelesscommunication systems. For example, various embodiments can apply to oneor more generations of wireless communication systems prior to 5G (e.g.,4G and/or 3G) and/or to one or more generations of wirelesscommunication systems subsequent to 5G (e.g., 6G, 7G and/or anysubsequent generation(s)).

Another embodiment provides a device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: creating a message associatedwith a wireless service, the message containing:a first indicationwhether the wireless service is restricted or permitted in a firstfrequency range of a frequency spectrum; and a second indication whetherthe wireless service is restricted or permitted in a second frequencyrange of the frequency spectrum, the second frequency range being afrequency range that is different from the first frequency range; andfacilitating transmission of the message that is created to first userequipment, to a radio access network, or to a combination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of system 100,some or all of the subsystems and functions of system 200 and/or some orall of each of methods 2100, 2200, 2300 presented in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B,2C, and 2D. For example, virtualized communication network 300 canfacilitate in whole or in part message creation and control of wirelessfrequency usage.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements - which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ),such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it’selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don’t typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers - each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part message creation and control of wirelessfrequency usage.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM),flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4 , the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part message creation and control of wireless frequencyusage. In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 510 cangenerate and receive signals transmitted and received by base stationsor access points such as base station or access point 122. Generally,mobile network platform 510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes,gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, that facilitateboth packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay,asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic(e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation for networkedwireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobile networkplatform 510 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks, andcan be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein.Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which caninterface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephonynetwork(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), orpublic land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format ...) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support ...) provided by mobilenetwork platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that are part of avoice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gateway node(s) 518for authorization/authentication and initiation of a data session, andto serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. In addition toapplication server, server(s) 514 can comprise utility server(s), autility server can comprise a provisioning server, an operations andmaintenance server, a security server that can implement at least inpart a certificate authority and firewalls as well as other securitymechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s) securecommunication served through mobile network platform 510 to ensurenetwork’s operation and data integrity in addition to authorization andauthentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512 and PS gatewaynode(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s) can provisionservices from external network(s) like networks operated by a disparateservice provider; for instance, WAN 550 or Global Positioning System(GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s) can also provisioncoverage through networks associated to mobile network platform 510(e.g., deployed and operated by the same service provider), such as thedistributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1 (s) that enhance wirelessservice coverage by providing more network coverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5 , and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part message creationand control of wireless frequency usage.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth^(®), ZigBee^(®), WiFi,DECT, or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few(Bluetooth^(®) and ZigBee^(®) are trademarks registered by theBluetooth^(®) Special Interest Group and the ZigBee^(®) Alliance,respectively). Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X,UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well asother next generation wireless communication technologies as they arise.The transceiver 602 can also be adapted to support circuit-switchedwireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wirelineaccess technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinationsthereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth^(®). The keypad 608can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user’s finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth^(®), or otherwireless access points by sensing techniques such as utilizing areceived signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival(TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 canutilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrays, application specificintegrated circuits, and/or a video processor with associated storagememory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologiesfor executing computer instructions, controlling, and processing datasupplied by the aforementioned components of the communication device600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn’t otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically creating message(s) and/or automatically providing controlof wireless frequency usage) can employ various AI-based schemes forcarrying out various embodiments thereof. Moreover, the classifier canbe employed to determine a ranking or priority of message recipients(e.g., end users and/or end user devices) and/or of frequency usage. Aclassifier is a function that maps an input attribute vector, x = (x1,x2, x3, x4, ..., xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class,that is, f(x) = confidence (class). Such classification can employ aprobabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring intothe analysis utilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that auser desires to be automatically performed. A support vector machine(SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be employed. The SVMoperates by finding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs,which the hypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria fromthe non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naive Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which message(s) tocreate and/or which wireless frequency(s) are to be used.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: creating a message fortransmission to first user equipment, to a radio access network, or to acombination thereof, the message being associated with a wirelessservice, the message comprising an EPS Network Feature SupportInformation Element, the EPS Network Feature Support Information Elementcontaining: a first bit indicating whether the wireless service isrestricted or permitted in a first frequency range of a frequencyspectrum; and a second bit indicating whether the wireless service isrestricted or permitted in a second frequency range of the frequencyspectrum, the second frequency range being a frequency range that isdifferent from the first frequency range; and creating another messagefor another transmission to second user equipment, to the radio accessnetwork, or to a combination thereof, the another message beingassociated with the wireless service, the another message comprisinganother EPS Network Feature Support Information Element, the another EPSNetwork Feature Support Information Element containing: another firstbit indicating whether the wireless service is restricted or permittedin the first frequency range of the frequency spectrum; and anothersecond bit indicating whether the wireless service is restricted orpermitted in the second frequency range of the frequency spectrum. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein the EPS Network Feature SupportInformation Element is a 5th generation (5G) EPS Network Feature SupportInformation Element that conforms to a 3GPP TS24.301 standard.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the EPS Network Feature Support InformationElement comprises a plurality of octets, wherein the first bit comprisesone bit in one of the plurality of octets, and wherein the second bitcomprises another bit in the one of the plurality of octets.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the EPS Network Feature Support InformationElement comprises four octets, wherein one of the four octets comprisesa plurality of bits that carry information indicative of a length ofcontents of the EPS Network Feature Support Information Element, whereinthe first bit comprises one bit in the one of the four octets, the onebit being distinct from the plurality of bits, and wherein the secondbit comprises another bit in the one of the four octets, the another bitbeing distinct from the plurality of bits.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the wireless service comprises one or more communicationsessions.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the one or morecommunication sessions is a plurality of communication sessions.
 7. Thedevice of claim 6, wherein a first one of the plurality of communicationsessions is between the first user equipment and a first server, whereina second one of the plurality of communication sessions is between thefirst user equipment and a second server, and wherein the second serveris a different server from the first server.
 8. The device of claim 1,wherein the first user equipment comprises a first smartphone, a firstlaptop computer, a first tablet computer, or any combination thereof,wherein the second user equipment comprises a second smartphone, asecond laptop computer, a second tablet computer, or any combinationthereof, wherein the operations further comprise facilitating thetransmission of the message to the first user equipment, to the radioaccess network, or to the combination thereof, and wherein theoperations further comprise facilitating the another transmission of theanother message to the second user equipment, to the radio accessnetwork, or to the combination thereof.
 9. A non-transitorymachine-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processing system including a processor, facilitateperformance of operations, the operations comprising: transmitting tofirst user equipment, to a radio access network, or to a combinationthereof an EPS Network Feature Support Information Element containing: afirst bit that indicates whether service is restricted or permitted in afirst frequency range of a frequency spectrum; and a second bit thatindicates whether the service is restricted or permitted in a secondfrequency range of the frequency spectrum, the second frequency rangebeing different from the first frequency range; and transmitting tosecond user equipment, to the radio access network, or to a combinationthereof another EPS Network Feature Support Information Elementcontaining: another first bit that indicates whether the service isrestricted or permitted in the first frequency range of the frequencyspectrum; and another second bit that indicates whether the service isrestricted or permitted in the second frequency range of the frequencyspectrum.
 10. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 9,wherein the EPS Network Feature Support Information Element comprises aplurality of octets, wherein the first bit is one bit in one of theplurality of octets, and wherein the second bit is another bit in theone of the plurality of octets.
 11. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 9, wherein the EPS Network Feature Support InformationElement comprises four octets, wherein one of the four octets comprisesa plurality of bits that carry information indicative of a length ofcontents of the EPS Network Feature Support Information Element, whereinthe first bit is one bit in the one of the four octets, the one bitbeing distinct from the plurality of bits, wherein the second bit isanother bit in the one of the four octets, and the another bit beingdistinct from the plurality of bits.
 12. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the first user equipmentcomprises a first smartphone, a first laptop computer, a first tabletcomputer, or any combination thereof, and wherein the second userequipment comprises a second smartphone, a second laptop computer, asecond tablet computer, or any combination thereof.
 13. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the EPSNetwork Feature Support Information Element is a 5th generation (5G) EPSNetwork Feature Support Information Element that conforms to a 3GPPTS24.301 standard.
 14. A method, comprising: receiving, by a processingsystem of an end user device including a processor, a message associatedwith a wireless service, wherein the message comprises an EPS NetworkFeature Support Information Element, and wherein the EPS Network FeatureSupport Information Element contains: a first bit indicating whether useof a first frequency range of a frequency spectrum is restricted orpermitted, the first bit having been determined based upon a location ofthe end user device relative to one or more other devices, relative toone or more wireless network elements, or any combination thereof; and asecond bit indicating whether use of a second frequency range of thefrequency spectrum is restricted or permitted, the second frequencyrange being a frequency range that is different from the first frequencyrange, the second bit having been determined based upon the location ofthe end user device relative to the one or more other devices, relativeto the one or more wireless network elements, or any combinationthereof; and communicating, by the processing system, with a radioaccess network, wherein the communicating is in accordance with adetermination of whether use of only the first frequency range ispermitted, whether use of only the second frequency range is permitted,or whether use of both the first frequency range and the secondfrequency range are permitted, wherein the determination is based uponthe first bit and the second bit, wherein the communicating utilizesonly the first frequency range in a first case that it had beendetermined that use of only the first frequency range is permitted,wherein the communicating utilizes only the second frequency range in asecond case that it had been determined that use of only the secondfrequency range is permitted, and wherein the communicating utilizesboth the first frequency range and the second frequency range in a thirdcase that it had been determined that use of both the first frequencyrange and the second frequency range are permitted.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the EPS Network Feature Support Information Element isa 5th generation (5G) EPS Network Feature Support Information Elementthat conforms to a 3GPP TS24.301 standard.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein the wireless service comprises one or more communicationsessions.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the end user devicecomprises a smartphone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or anycombination thereof.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the EPS NetworkFeature Support Information Element comprises a plurality of octets,wherein the first bit comprises one bit in one of the plurality ofoctets, and wherein the second bit comprises another bit in the one ofthe plurality of octets.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the EPSNetwork Feature Support Information Element comprises four octets,wherein one of the four octets comprises a plurality of bits that carryinformation indicative of a length of contents of the EPS NetworkFeature Support Information Element, wherein the first bit is one bit inthe one of the four octets, the one bit being distinct from theplurality of bits, wherein the second bit is another bit in the one ofthe four octets, and the another bit being distinct from the pluralityof bits.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the wireless servicecomprises one or more communication sessions, wherein the one or morecommunication sessions is a plurality of communication sessions, whereina first one of the plurality of communication sessions is between theend user device and a first server, wherein a second one of theplurality of communication sessions is between the end user device and asecond server, and wherein the second server is a different server fromthe first server.